WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.000 Good evening, Pastor Coverstone, could you please give me a vocation? 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:20.600 Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council, everyone, would you please pray with me? 00:00:20.600 --> 00:00:27.980 Well, Father, we give you thanks, Lord of heaven and earth, give you praise tonight 00:00:27.980 --> 00:00:57.979 it's the one who's given us life and health and gifted us for service Lord even as I consider the people around this room Lord we see how you've gifted each one of them for the roles that you've given them here in the city and Lord we confess tonight that apart from your help apart from your strength we have nothing and so it's for your help and strength that I ask tonight for this council for this 00:00:57.979 --> 00:01:04.379 City. Lord, we thank you for the way that you've directed over this past year and into this new 00:01:04.379 --> 00:01:10.780 year in 2026, the plans that have been made, the things that have been laid out. Lord, we pray for 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:19.019 your blessing and success in those plans. Lord, I know that we have differences of all sorts, 00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:23.739 but do pray that in the midst of our disagreements and differences, you would help us to move 00:01:23.739 --> 00:01:32.219 Ford in unity not unanimity perhaps but but unity with a mutual love for this 00:01:32.219 --> 00:01:37.420 city and for these people and Lord we do pray for this meeting tonight that you 00:01:37.420 --> 00:01:42.920 would bless the proceedings help us to please you with the way that we speak to 00:01:42.920 --> 00:01:46.859 one another and the decisions that are made and Lord we ask all these things 00:01:46.859 --> 00:01:53.359 for your glory in Jesus name amen now we'll officially call this meeting to 00:01:53.359 --> 00:02:08.360 Mayor Miller, Alderpersons, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons is absent, Parker, Stacy, Shadle and Sanders are both absent, Sellers. 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:10.360 We do have a quorum, Mayor. 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:14.360 Thank you. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Klemm. 00:02:14.360 --> 00:02:30.360 Congratulations to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:02:30.360 --> 00:02:36.360 Madam Clerk, could you please note that Alderman Simmons has arrived? 00:02:36.360 --> 00:02:38.360 Thank you. 00:02:38.360 --> 00:02:42.680 Item number one is the approval of the agenda however we are going to remove item number three 00:02:43.319 --> 00:02:50.360 which are the recognitions we'll do that in February. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. A motion made by 00:02:51.560 --> 00:02:58.120 Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? 00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:03.960 That motion passes. Item number two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on January 5th, 00:03:03.960 --> 00:03:09.800 2026. Is there a motion to approve? I make a motion to approve. So moved. Second. Motion made 00:03:09.800 --> 00:03:15.719 by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. 00:03:15.719 --> 00:03:21.639 Opposed? That motion passes. Public comment. Was there, Bryan is there? Bryan could you check? No. 00:03:22.680 --> 00:03:26.919 We'll move on to item number five which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered 00:03:26.919 --> 00:03:30.520 to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's a member of the council would like 00:03:30.520 --> 00:03:31.520 Huffines. 00:03:31.520 --> 00:03:35.080 I would like to have something removed for further discussion. 00:03:35.080 --> 00:03:41.080 Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file the 00:03:41.080 --> 00:03:49.840 minutes from the Building Commission, November 13, 2024, Planning Commission, July 10, 2025, 00:03:49.840 --> 00:03:55.599 Finance Committee of the Whole, November 10 and 17, 2025, the Board of Fire and Police 00:03:55.599 --> 00:04:02.719 Sanders, November 25th, 2025, Art and Culture Commission, December 4th, 2025, the Building 00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:07.919 Permit Report, December 25th, the Cash and Investment Report, and the Finance Department 00:04:07.919 --> 00:04:15.439 Report, both November 2025, Adoption of Resolution 2026-08, the Resolution Requesting Temporary 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:20.680 Closure of Streets for the Annual Memorial Day Parade, and the approval of the finance 00:04:20.680 --> 00:04:30.439 Spills, total payment of $3,810,047.56 and the approval of payroll for pay period ending July 10, 00:04:30.439 --> 00:04:43.560 2026 in the total of $773,726.64. I know there's just a typo. It said 2025, but it's actually 2026. 00:04:43.560 --> 00:04:47.079 So with that, is there a motion to approve? So moved. 00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:53.879 Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:59.000 you please take the roll? Madam Mayor, I'd just like to note that the Memorial Day Parade is May 25th, 00:04:59.000 --> 00:05:08.759 2026. And who was the second on that? Sellers was the second. For roll call vote, Klemm? 00:05:08.759 --> 00:05:26.509 Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, I, even though I think there's a mistake, it says committee 00:05:26.509 --> 00:05:34.029 of the whole November 10th and 17th, no, the committee of the whole was the 10th. 00:05:34.029 --> 00:06:07.389 Finance Committee of the Whole, Alderperson. Forgive me. And Sellers. Aye. That is your vote. The motion passes six to zero. Item number six is the adoption of resolution 2026-03. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a service sales agreement with revised for city website updates, annual hosting, and maintenance services. Thank you. Director Bridge. Good evening Mayor and Council. 00:06:07.389 --> 00:06:14.389 Before I read what I have here, I just wanted to thank those responsible for getting me to the top of the agenda. 00:06:14.389 --> 00:06:22.389 I understand resolutions usually aren't this early, but family life has been shaken up recently, so I appreciate that. 00:06:22.389 --> 00:06:30.389 For close to 10 years, the city has been utilizing a website that was made with limited user-friendly tools. 00:06:30.389 --> 00:06:36.389 The old site has simply become so outdated that continuing with it may cause more technical difficulties, 00:06:36.389 --> 00:06:41.389 of which the City experienced several in 2024. 00:06:41.389 --> 00:06:45.790 The City Communications Director and Information Technology Director have researched the most 00:06:45.790 --> 00:06:51.069 cost-effective and most long-term solutions for all who utilize cityoffreeport.org, such 00:06:51.069 --> 00:06:53.990 as residents and city staff. 00:06:53.990 --> 00:06:58.389 Several website design companies that specialize in local government provided quotes for their 00:06:58.389 --> 00:07:02.470 scope of work, allowing the City to bring forward the following, which is the fact that 00:07:02.470 --> 00:07:10.370 Revise has written out this agreement for just under $15,000. 00:07:10.370 --> 00:07:17.629 Revise is a company that has helped launch 3,600 websites, mainly focusing on local government. 00:07:17.629 --> 00:07:22.949 They've worked with nearby municipalities such as Stevenson County, Highland Park, Maywood, 00:07:22.949 --> 00:07:24.230 and Cherry Valley. 00:07:24.230 --> 00:07:28.990 Revise is prepared to do a full redesign of the website while keeping all necessary information 00:07:28.990 --> 00:07:31.949 that goes into keeping our residents best informed. 00:07:31.949 --> 00:07:39.350 The funds for this update will come from the IT budget on approval by council for 2026. 00:07:39.350 --> 00:07:40.350 Thank you, Director. 00:07:40.350 --> 00:07:41.350 Is there a motion to approve? 00:07:41.350 --> 00:07:42.350 So moved. 00:07:42.350 --> 00:07:43.350 I'm sorry, to adopt. 00:07:43.350 --> 00:07:44.350 So moved. 00:07:44.350 --> 00:07:45.350 Second. 00:07:45.350 --> 00:07:49.870 We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:07:49.870 --> 00:07:51.269 Discussion on this resolution. 00:07:51.269 --> 00:07:57.779 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:07:57.779 --> 00:07:58.779 Klemm? 00:07:58.779 --> 00:07:59.779 Aye. 00:07:59.779 --> 00:08:00.779 Johnson? 00:08:00.779 --> 00:08:01.779 Aye. 00:08:01.779 --> 00:08:02.779 Simmons? 00:08:02.779 --> 00:08:10.540 Stacy? No. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution passes five to one. Thank you. Thank you, Director. 00:08:11.660 --> 00:08:17.740 Item number seven is the second reading of Ordinance 20-2601. Could you please read this? 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:23.660 Ordinance amending various subsections of Chapter 220, Rules of Council, and the City of Freeport 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:31.259 Code of Ordinances, Section 220.11A4, Operation of the Committee of the Whole, Section 2-2011E5, 00:08:31.259 --> 00:08:36.419 of Operation of the Finance Committee of the Whole and Section 2, 2011, F5, the City Manager 00:08:36.419 --> 00:08:37.419 Recruitment Committee. 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:38.419 Thank you. 00:08:38.419 --> 00:08:39.419 Manager Boyer? 00:08:39.419 --> 00:08:40.419 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:08:40.419 --> 00:08:41.419 This is the second reading. 00:08:41.419 --> 00:08:43.539 The first reading was January 5th. 00:08:43.539 --> 00:08:46.620 At that time, we went over the various changes. 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:53.940 There were no questions at that time and staff requests moving forward with the ordinance 00:08:53.940 --> 00:08:54.940 amending these areas. 00:08:54.940 --> 00:08:55.940 Discussion? 00:08:55.940 --> 00:09:02.429 Madam Clerk, if you could please take the roll. 00:09:02.429 --> 00:09:03.429 Klemm? 00:09:03.429 --> 00:09:04.429 Aye. 00:09:04.429 --> 00:09:06.429 Simmons 00:09:06.429 --> 00:09:12.789 I'm sorry. No, thank you. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. Shadle. Oh goodness. 00:09:13.549 --> 00:09:15.230 Sellers. Aye. 00:09:15.230 --> 00:09:17.870 Madam Mayor, we're going to need you to chime in. 00:09:18.830 --> 00:09:24.669 And the ordinance passes six to five, one to three, four, five to two. 00:09:28.759 --> 00:09:35.480 Item number eight is the first reading of ordinance 202602. Could you please read this? I'm sorry. Was that wrong? 00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:42.240 I think so just just double-check it again because we've got two people gone and there's eight aldermen and you 00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:44.879 tallied seven votes. Yeah, that's because I'm in it 00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:49.240 Good because you're okay. Thank you. Five to two equals seven 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:52.379 Thank you very much. No worries 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:57.350 Ma'am clerk, can you read that next ordinance, please? 00:09:58.629 --> 00:10:00.629 Ordinance amending codified 00:10:00.629 --> 00:10:13.399 Ordinance Amending Codified Ordinances, Chapter 1044, Water Rates and Revenues, Section 1044.01, Established Rates to Add Incentive Pay for Lead and Copper Samples to be Taken for Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Application. 00:10:13.399 --> 00:10:14.399 Thank you. Manager Boyer. 00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:20.399 Thank you, Your Honor. We discussed this at the Committee of the Whole on January 12th. 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:25.440 Essentially, we're having issues with getting compliance from homes that have lead services 00:10:25.440 --> 00:10:27.639 for our sampling process. 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:34.600 The root of the issue is that we started our sampling program with over 60 samples that 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:40.159 are required and we have removed so many lead services that we only have about 63 active 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:42.080 services now. 00:10:42.080 --> 00:10:48.919 So staff had proposed bringing forward a $40 incentive reduction on the individual's water 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:54.679 Miller, Bill, to help us gain compliance and get cooperation from the property residents 00:10:54.679 --> 00:11:01.460 of those properties and staff requests moving this to second reading in February. 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.319 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:11:03.319 --> 00:11:04.319 So move. 00:11:04.319 --> 00:11:06.569 Second. 00:11:06.569 --> 00:11:11.889 We have a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Johnson, discussion on 00:11:11.889 --> 00:11:12.889 the ordinance. 00:11:12.889 --> 00:11:13.889 Darren? 00:11:13.889 --> 00:11:16.430 Yeah, I just wanted to give everybody an update. 00:11:16.430 --> 00:11:22.069 We did some tabulations between the meetings and we are literally at about 150 services 00:11:22.069 --> 00:11:25.490 left and we will be complete with the lead service line replacement. 00:11:25.490 --> 00:11:30.309 So I know there's people that have been asking me and it took us some time to get it down 00:11:30.309 --> 00:11:37.230 but right now there's 150 left and by any luck we will be done sometime this summer. 00:11:37.230 --> 00:11:38.230 Awesome. 00:11:38.230 --> 00:11:39.230 Thank you. 00:11:39.230 --> 00:11:42.470 Could I make a motion to suspend the rules? 00:11:42.470 --> 00:11:43.470 Second. 00:11:43.470 --> 00:11:48.750 We have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:11:48.750 --> 00:11:52.269 Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. 00:11:52.269 --> 00:11:55.629 Madam Clerk, could you please take the vote on the suspension only? 00:11:57.690 --> 00:11:58.169 Klemm. 00:11:58.169 --> 00:11:58.889 Aye. 00:11:58.889 --> 00:11:59.450 Johnson. 00:11:59.450 --> 00:12:00.250 Aye. 00:12:00.250 --> 00:12:00.730 Simmons. 00:12:02.409 --> 00:12:03.210 Parker. 00:12:03.210 --> 00:12:03.710 Aye. 00:12:04.409 --> 00:12:04.909 Stacy. 00:12:09.850 --> 00:12:10.350 No. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:12.940 Sellers. 00:12:12.940 --> 00:12:13.440 Aye. 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:15.980 One, two, three, four. 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:18.360 Moore, Attorney Zito. 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:19.620 We need six, right? 00:12:19.620 --> 00:12:21.879 So the mayor wouldn't even matter. 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:23.379 So that motion fails. 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:24.379 Okay. 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:26.299 The suspension fails. 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:30.019 However, there's still the discussion on the ordinance itself. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:32.299 It'll just be moved to the next regularly scheduled meeting. 00:12:32.299 --> 00:12:33.299 Alderman Sellers? 00:12:33.299 --> 00:12:34.299 Yes. 00:12:34.299 --> 00:12:45.899 Just wanted to know how long do we have to have this given to the EPA on what we're doing? 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:50.860 Are testing, don't we? Are we looked into about testing and stuff? Is that why we have 00:12:50.860 --> 00:12:51.860 to do this? 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:59.139 Sure. So as I mentioned before, we have about 63 active services. We need 60 of them to 00:12:59.139 --> 00:13:06.019 respond to our lead and copper sampling. So we're just asking for a $40 incentive to reduce 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:10.779 off of the individual water bills. And we hope to have these done before the next sampling 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:17.299 Regime. This is basically just going to get us done through the next, I guess, sampling 00:13:17.299 --> 00:13:20.580 period until July. 00:13:20.580 --> 00:13:30.779 So we are at this monitoring level of 60 until we reach full lead free compliance. And then 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:34.620 once we do another tier sample, I believe at the end of the year, then we will then 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:39.539 we can apply for reduced monitoring to get back to a more reasonable level. But we have 00:13:39.539 --> 00:13:43.460 to complete, and then we have to do some various sampling to do that. 00:13:43.460 --> 00:13:50.259 So what Mr. City Manager Boyer indicated is we're really struggling and we get 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:53.700 commitments from people and then we don't get follow through, which automatically 00:13:53.700 --> 00:13:55.220 is giving us violations. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:59.299 And so this would really help the operations and the environmental staff 00:13:59.299 --> 00:14:02.180 that is working hard to keep us into compliance. 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:04.100 Very touchy situation. 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:08.019 Rob actually commend him on his day off. 00:14:08.019 --> 00:14:13.819 Huff, he went to EPA and fought on behalf of the city on some violations that we received 00:14:13.819 --> 00:14:20.819 that are paperwork issues that we're having because we have so few lead services right 00:14:20.819 --> 00:14:23.980 now that we are having a really hard time staying compliant. 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:29.819 That's why we're asking for this to make sure that we give our operators and our environmental 00:14:29.819 --> 00:14:32.180 people a chance to get this done. 00:14:32.180 --> 00:14:36.180 Hopefully we'll go to what they call, I believe tier five. 00:14:36.180 --> 00:14:38.039 So we'll have one through four pretty much clear. 00:14:38.039 --> 00:14:43.100 We will go to tier five, which is copper services that probably won't be until 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:48.420 2027, and then we'll get back on a more consistent, smaller scale that we can use 00:14:48.420 --> 00:14:52.200 more services in town because we have lots of copper services right now. 00:14:52.200 --> 00:14:56.339 We're really down to, like he said, about 63 active lead services. 00:14:56.339 --> 00:14:57.399 It's very difficult. 00:14:57.799 --> 00:15:02.519 And these are the people, a lot of these people that are left are people that 00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:08.200 haven't been responding to calls, emails, texts, you know, us showing up, trying to 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:09.559 get in to do the services. 00:15:09.559 --> 00:15:13.759 So it creates another level of complexity to the projects. 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:15.399 Ellen Sellers? 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:21.799 Yes, because it's a lot of work that goes into doing the testing and they have to do 00:15:21.799 --> 00:15:27.680 it at a certain spot at a certain time for so many days, correct? 00:15:27.680 --> 00:15:33.480 and then they have to, then they, then our people go there and get the water and test 00:15:33.480 --> 00:15:35.240 it and make sure everything's okay. 00:15:35.240 --> 00:15:36.240 Correct? 00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:37.240 Yeah. 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:38.240 And then there's another step to it after that. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:49.000 If, if we would get a parts per billion confirmation, because people can do sampling incorrectly 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:53.480 when they get a false positive, which requires us to go back and do even more sampling. 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:59.720 So, um, it is, it's, it is a chore for the homeowners to be involved. 00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:04.519 And as we have completed these and knocked them out throughout town, um, the 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:09.160 people that are very favorable to helping us do this project, uh, have kind of gone 00:16:09.160 --> 00:16:13.480 away and again, we're getting to the point of getting trouble to people. 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:18.000 Even answer a call, answer a letter, schedule an appointment. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:21.839 And so it's really becoming difficult and it's a big hassle for our staff 00:16:21.839 --> 00:16:23.519 to chase, chase this around. 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:25.039 Solomon Klemm. 00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:25.559 Yeah. 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:29.120 Is it, is there a certain segment of the community? 00:16:29.480 --> 00:16:30.920 I mean, is it like Reynolds? 00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:32.079 Is it like old people? 00:16:32.079 --> 00:16:32.680 Is it like, 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:34.120 right now? 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:40.319 So we had, we originally started with 2300 and we're down to a various 150 kind 00:16:40.319 --> 00:16:43.839 of spotted all over town that's kind of left from all the different packages we 00:16:43.839 --> 00:16:47.779 did. So there, I couldn't even pick a street that has, you know, you know, more 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:51.940 and a couple here and there, just, you know, some of them have sold. 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:54.460 So we had to wait for one owner to the next. 00:16:54.860 --> 00:16:59.299 I've been tracking down, um, selling companies, leasing companies. 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:02.299 Some of these are, uh, owned by the government housing. 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:05.380 It's, it's a lot more than you can imagine. 00:17:05.779 --> 00:17:06.180 Thank you. 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:06.740 I appreciate it. 00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:07.819 Alderman Johnson. 00:17:08.500 --> 00:17:12.339 And if we're out of compliance, there's a cost to that, right? 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:17.619 As far as a cost to the city, it's, it's basically, if we have 00:17:17.619 --> 00:17:24.740 We have a violation that goes on to our record for 11 years. The problem is we're at a place 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:33.299 where the actual requirements and regulation has created a very pinch point for us specifically 00:17:33.299 --> 00:17:37.619 because we've been doing so many. We're also in a situation where we've already received 00:17:37.619 --> 00:17:44.460 $10 million approximately of forgivable loan to get this done and I think it would really 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.460 McDonough. 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:53.460 They had on the community if we were in violation of the regulation that is flawed basically. 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:58.099 One of the other costs, direct costs of a violation is in this there's a, they're called 00:17:58.099 --> 00:17:59.619 a monitoring violation. 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:04.619 So that requires us to mail every customer in town a mailer saying that we got this violation, 00:18:04.619 --> 00:18:12.579 which is like writing a $3,000 check for postage to say that we're in violation of really nothing. 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:16.420 and so that's the, we're trying to be responsible with the taxpayer's money 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:17.680 and not get into that position. 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:23.139 Uh, one of our, one of our, uh, monitoring violations that we've got 00:18:23.139 --> 00:18:27.019 already that Rob went to fight, we really refused to send the mailer 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:32.460 because it was a, uh, error by the lab company that, that got submitted. 00:18:32.460 --> 00:18:35.740 So we actually submitted all the paperwork, but it was a lab error and it 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:39.299 was going to be like writing a, you know, a check for postage for $3,000. 00:18:39.299 --> 00:18:41.980 That's we think is absolutely ridiculous when we passed all the 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:47.500 Test. It's just like a monitoring thing. So again, it is a hassle for the people 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:51.860 that are involved in doing these tests. This is a modest fee to get this help. 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:56.000 It's just a short period of time. It's not a permanent situation that we're 00:18:56.000 --> 00:19:00.779 looking for. We've got to get to the point where we're down to none and then 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:04.500 be compliant for another six months and then we can reduce the sampling and 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:10.579 hopefully go back to every three years. Prior to the lead and lead and copper 00:19:10.579 --> 00:19:15.139 rule, we only had to do compliance every three years now because of the new 00:19:15.139 --> 00:19:16.619 factors we have to do every six months. 00:19:16.619 --> 00:19:19.700 So it is a lot more work and a lot more cost than sampling. 00:19:22.970 --> 00:19:23.570 And then Stacy. 00:19:24.210 --> 00:19:24.730 Yes. 00:19:24.809 --> 00:19:33.019 Um, how often do you have to take these samples? 00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:40.380 Like, is it monthly and by the, uh, suspension failing, is that going to 00:19:40.380 --> 00:19:44.139 affect you all in any way? 00:19:44.900 --> 00:19:48.579 The answer to the suspension is no, we can wait till the next meeting. 00:19:48.579 --> 00:19:53.539 That's not a problem, and I'm sorry, what was your first question? 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:55.340 How often do you have to take... 00:19:55.340 --> 00:19:58.019 Right now until the rule changes and we get to tier five. 00:19:58.019 --> 00:19:59.559 All the rule changes and we get to tier five. We have to do it every six months. So we just 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:02.279 did it in December and I believe the next ones are due in June. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.279 Thank you. 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:10.579 Okay, we will move on to the next item. Number nine is the first reading of ordinance 2026-03. 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:16.579 Could you please read this? 00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:21.500 Ordinance amending chapter 810 concerning the licensing of vacation rentals to add penalties 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:26.460 for multiple violations of federal, state or local regulations referred to as the good 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:27.460 neighbor policy. 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:29.460 Thank you, Director Heimerdinger. 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:36.460 Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Freeport continues to support vacation rentals as lawful and beneficial use. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:40.460 However, recent activity has demonstrated the need for additional safeguards. 00:20:40.460 --> 00:20:51.460 The proposed Good Neighbor Policy is intended to preserve neighborhood peace, protect quality of life, and ensure accountability when properties are used for short-term rental purposes. 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:55.759 This policy is not based on neighbor complaints or subjective concerns. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:21:09.420 Instead, it relies on documented calls for service related to verified violations and relies on communication and coordination with the police and fire department to ensure consistent and unbiased application. 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:20.720 This amendment aligns with the City's strategic plans related to neighborhood housing and safe, inclusive community and requires no additional funding. 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:28.880 I'm going to briefly read the policy because it's quite short and it states any vacation 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:34.559 rental which receives two or more or more calls for service related to a violation of a state, 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:41.440 federal or local ordinance regulation rule or law within a signal licensee should be subject to 30 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:48.400 day suspension of the vacation rental license during which time no rental should be allowed 00:21:48.400 --> 00:22:11.400 In the event that there are three or more calls for service related to a violation of state, federal, or local ordinance, regulation, or rule of law within a signal license year, the license shell issued under this chapter should be subject to immediate reparation and the owner of the property should not be eligible for a vacation rental license for the following year. 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:35.799 This provision is enacted for the purpose of preserving community peace and harmony, limiting disruptions to community neighborhoods, and requires persons designing to utilize their properties for profit to be responsible for ensuring their neighbors, who may not be similarly utilizing their homes, are not negatively impacted by the disturbances of any kind. 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:50.799 As such, the provisions here shall apply whether or not the commission of a crime or violation of an ordinance is adjudicationally determined and applies expressively to the occurrence of a call for service. 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:58.799 Any call for service based exclusively upon occurrence of domestic violence shall not be counted for the purpose of this section. 00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:10.799 The staff recommends moving this ordinance forward to a second reading and amending Chapter 810 to include Section 810.09, Good Neighbor Policy. 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:12.799 Thank you. Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:14.799 So moved. Second. 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:20.799 We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on this ordinance? 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:22.799 Alderman Johnson? 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:29.019 I'm just wondering why I see that any call for service based exclusively on domestic violence, 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:34.480 why that would not be determined as a service call, because to me that's pretty dangerous 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:38.319 if there's domestic violence going on there. 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:47.839 Yes, it's mostly for the policy and wanting to protect the victim of said call. 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:56.559 So if there is a, we don't want backlash from, you know, that victim that they can no longer 00:23:56.559 --> 00:24:04.779 find an Airbnb or find a short term rental in Freeport because they called for help and 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:07.259 it was linked to domestic violence. 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:11.299 It's to protect the victim of the domestic violence incident. 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:18.180 But the service, calls for service are against the, I mean, it's for the person that has 00:24:18.180 --> 00:24:20.660 the property that they can't run it out again, right? 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:22.980 So it's not really against the person that's the victim. 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:28.319 Well, we don't want to deteriorate people from calling when they need help in domestic 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:32.059 violence situations. 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:37.420 You could note that those are pretty close to medical calls would be the same, right? 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:42.819 We don't, you know, medical calls are also not in violation of this policy. 00:24:42.819 --> 00:24:47.339 So we, that is pretty linked to a medical call if somebody's in danger, their life is 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:51.259 in danger, they're getting, you know, domestic abuse. 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:56.299 We don't want to deteriorate, deteriorate from the impact of that. 00:24:56.299 --> 00:25:00.819 And we don't want individuals feeling like they can't call. 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:01.819 Okay. 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:14.139 Okay, then we'll move on to item number 10, which is the first reading of ordinance 2026-04. 00:25:14.139 --> 00:25:19.740 Could you please read this? Ordinance amending chapter 1252 of the zoning code to allow offices 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:26.619 of contractors as a permitted use in B1, B2, and B3 business districts. Thank you. Director Heimerdinger. 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:32.700 Thank you, Madam Mayor. Currently, contractors' offices and shops are only permitted by right in 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:39.819 B3 commercial and wholesale business districts. This restriction excludes their use in less intensive 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:46.940 districts such as B1 restricted and general retail or B2 limited service business districts, 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:53.339 unless specifically stated. With advancements in technology, many contractor offices now operate 00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:59.019 primarily as a business office with digital tools or client meetings, sample displays, 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:24.740 Rather than on-site fabrication or storage, to reflect modern business practices and to help attract and retain businesses, the proposed amendment would allow contractor offices used primarily for business purposes and sample displays to be permitted in B1 districts, in addition to allowing them to continue being allowed in B3. 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:30.740 This approach reduces red tape and provides ready-to-use spaces for businesses. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:38.740 The amendment aligns with the strategic plan for promoting a responsive and effective and efficient government 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:42.740 that updates ordinances to match current business practices. 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:51.740 Staff recommends approving the amendment to the ordinance pertaining to contractor offices and shops. 00:26:51.740 --> 00:26:59.559 Perhaps, and this did come from Planning Commission and it was voted in favor of coming to council 00:26:59.559 --> 00:27:02.339 on January 15th. 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:03.339 Thank you. 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.339 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:05.339 So moved. 00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:08.289 Second. 00:27:08.289 --> 00:27:09.289 Okay. 00:27:09.289 --> 00:27:14.450 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:27:14.450 --> 00:27:15.450 Discussion on the ordinance? 00:27:15.450 --> 00:27:16.450 Alderman Klemm. 00:27:16.450 --> 00:27:22.250 Director Heimerdinger, can you give me an example of this? 00:27:22.250 --> 00:27:23.250 Yes. 00:27:23.250 --> 00:27:28.529 How is X moving into Y? Because obviously this has got something in mind to do it. 00:27:28.529 --> 00:27:38.210 Yeah, so this doesn't, this is not solely anybody that we are thinking about right now moving in, 00:27:38.210 --> 00:27:42.769 but we're trying to make it easier for contractors who want to have a presence. 00:27:42.769 --> 00:27:50.529 Let's say there's a downtown shop, right? That's B1. And all they have, nowadays when you go to 00:28:20.529 --> 00:28:26.610 and it basically it creates a lot of red tape for a organization where they're 00:28:26.610 --> 00:28:32.369 basically operating just like a business or just like any kind of practice down on 00:28:32.369 --> 00:28:37.650 downtown right now they operate just just like a business would operate and 00:28:37.650 --> 00:28:42.730 because of how advanced technology has gotten that most samples are ordered 00:28:42.730 --> 00:28:48.610 online and they're just being shown there's not fabrication on site. 00:28:48.610 --> 00:28:57.650 So really between this one and the next one coming up, as far as the upstairs are properly, 00:28:57.650 --> 00:29:03.049 it's basically going to create a different attitude or a different opportunity for people 00:29:03.049 --> 00:29:06.250 to move into downtown or another place. 00:29:06.250 --> 00:29:07.250 Yeah, that's correct. 00:29:07.250 --> 00:29:15.170 It's supposed to help to create more ability for different types of businesses to find 00:29:15.170 --> 00:29:20.690 Holmes here in Freeport and to be able to to find a place that works for them and to remove 00:29:21.650 --> 00:29:27.970 you know unnecessary red tape for them to come in and and start their business. Thank you. 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:35.920 Oh and Stacy? How many buildings do we have downtown that would 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:44.480 support something like this? How many any of them that are deemed to be one on the zoning map 00:29:44.480 --> 00:29:53.759 Knapp. They could easily support this. I mean, do you know how many properties there is? 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:55.960 Of B1 on the zoning map? I do not know. 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:57.599 B1 on the zoning map. I do not off the top of my head. 00:29:57.599 --> 00:30:08.549 So there's no other discussion. Move on to item number 11, which is the first reading 00:30:08.549 --> 00:30:12.990 of Ordinance 202605. Madam Clerk, could you please read this? 00:30:12.990 --> 00:30:17.670 Ordinance amending Chapter 1252 of the Zoning Code to Allow Residential Units as a Permitted 00:30:17.670 --> 00:30:22.130 Use Above the Ground Floor of Buildings in the Central Business District. 00:30:22.130 --> 00:30:23.710 Thank you. Director Heimerdinger. 00:30:23.710 --> 00:30:28.930 Thank you, Madam Mayor. Currently, residential units are not permitted by right in any business 00:30:28.930 --> 00:30:58.930 B1 Restricted Retail Business District and can only be allowed through a special use permit under restrictive conditions. To address Freeport's housing shortage and promote full occupancy of buildings in the Central Business District, the proposed amendment to Chapter 1252.01 of the B1 Restricted Retail Business District would allow for a permit residential use, including dwelling units and lodging rooms on upper floors in the Central Business District. 00:31:28.930 --> 00:31:33.730 Mayers, and align with the city's strategic goal related to the responsive government and 00:31:33.730 --> 00:31:36.329 neighborhood and housing. 00:31:36.329 --> 00:31:40.410 Staff recommends Council approving the amendment to the ordinance pertaining to residential 00:31:40.410 --> 00:31:47.049 use in business districts as it was voted in favor by the Planning Commission on January 00:31:47.049 --> 00:31:48.329 15th. 00:31:48.329 --> 00:31:54.250 And you can also see on the screen there, we've just outlined it, the central business 00:31:54.250 --> 00:31:55.250 district. 00:31:55.250 --> 00:32:04.930 Just to kind of get a sense of where residential can exist above the first floor without a 00:32:04.930 --> 00:32:06.410 special use. 00:32:06.410 --> 00:32:12.610 Everywhere outside of that area will still require a special use permit to have residential 00:32:12.610 --> 00:32:16.410 above a business. 00:32:16.410 --> 00:32:18.690 Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? 00:32:18.690 --> 00:32:19.690 So move. 00:32:19.690 --> 00:32:20.690 A second. 00:32:20.690 --> 00:32:25.389 A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson. 00:32:25.389 --> 00:32:30.589 I have a question. In order for second, third floor possibilities, does the first floor 00:32:30.589 --> 00:32:31.950 have to be occupied first? 00:32:31.950 --> 00:32:37.910 The first floor doesn't have to be occupied. It has to be able to be occupied, which means 00:32:37.910 --> 00:32:41.210 that it can't be a condemned building. You can't have a condemned first floor. It just 00:32:41.210 --> 00:32:45.829 means that there could be a business in there. It is in a state where a business can move 00:32:45.829 --> 00:32:46.829 in. 00:32:46.829 --> 00:32:47.829 Thank you. 00:32:47.829 --> 00:32:48.829 Alderman Klemm? 00:32:48.829 --> 00:33:18.829 I guess it was about a year ago, Greater Freeport Partnership put on a program about second floors about these things and was talked about funding and what was required and all that kind of stuff and I know one of the things, problems in a lot of these buildings and I just want to say that as it's still in there is it's got to be approved by everybody because one of the big things I think is fire department entrance 00:33:18.829 --> 00:33:23.829 We have a question about access and ability to get out in case of anything. 00:33:23.829 --> 00:33:36.829 You know, that has handicapped a number of the buildings, but, you know, does that, if you got somebody that's, say, there's a prospect to go into the building, what happens at that point? 00:33:36.829 --> 00:33:40.829 Does everybody look at the plans and go over it and they have to prove what they're going to do? 00:33:40.829 --> 00:33:45.730 It's still held to building permit standards, which means that they will need a building 00:33:45.730 --> 00:33:50.349 permit and they'll also have the fire inspection. 00:33:50.349 --> 00:33:57.809 So there will be two ways out still, we won't jeopardize the safety of these buildings by 00:33:57.809 --> 00:33:58.809 any means. 00:33:58.809 --> 00:34:05.829 It's just removing the $200 special use permit application and then the two months of going 00:34:05.829 --> 00:34:12.029 through that process in order to hopefully engage more people to come get their building 00:34:12.029 --> 00:34:16.230 permits, work with our building inspector and our fire marshal to make sure that the 00:34:16.230 --> 00:34:25.110 building is safe and ready for residential use, but to avoid the unnecessary holdup and 00:34:25.110 --> 00:34:28.389 time and extra costs associated. 00:34:28.389 --> 00:34:41.349 Would the occupants already living there on the other floors have any say so on a business 00:34:41.349 --> 00:34:43.110 coming in? 00:34:43.110 --> 00:34:44.590 To the ground floor? 00:34:44.590 --> 00:34:45.590 Yes. 00:34:45.590 --> 00:34:50.710 Uh, the businesses, that always goes to the building owner who always decides, you know, 00:34:50.710 --> 00:34:56.070 who's coming into their, to their, the property owner decides who's coming into their business. 00:34:56.070 --> 00:35:04.710 So I don't know of any system where a residential individual would decide if they let the ground 00:35:04.710 --> 00:35:07.190 floor happen unless they are the property owner. 00:35:07.190 --> 00:35:10.829 So the property owner decides the business coming in and then they work with the city 00:35:10.829 --> 00:35:15.190 to make sure that it's a proper business that can be in that district. 00:35:15.190 --> 00:35:16.829 Yes. 00:35:16.829 --> 00:35:23.470 So there still would have to be two ways in and two ways out without having to cut through 00:35:23.470 --> 00:35:24.470 a business. 00:35:24.470 --> 00:35:25.470 Oh, yes. 00:35:25.470 --> 00:35:32.909 Yes, the safety is still top of the line. That is the building code. We're not changing 00:35:32.909 --> 00:35:37.269 building code. We're not modifying the building code. The building code will stay the same. 00:35:37.269 --> 00:35:43.429 We're just removing the ordinance that we have set in place by the city of needing a 00:35:43.429 --> 00:35:47.300 special use. 00:35:47.300 --> 00:35:53.779 Anything else? We'll move on to item number 12, which is the adoption of resolution 2026-04. 00:35:53.779 --> 00:35:57.179 Could you please read this? 00:35:57.179 --> 00:36:04.300 Approving 2026 Motor Fuel Tax Materials. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. Every year 00:36:04.300 --> 00:36:10.059 before we start the construction season, we need to pass a resolution authorizing the use of MFT 00:36:10.699 --> 00:36:17.420 funds for our construction season. This year we're planning to install about 12,500 tons of hot mix. 00:36:17.420 --> 00:36:23.900 There's a slight difference here in the memo. The memo calls out 13,000. And then we're also 00:36:23.900 --> 00:36:27.380 also looking at $150,000 for a crack ceiling operation. 00:36:27.380 --> 00:36:34.860 So staff asked that council move forward with the resolution approving the 2026 MFT funds. 00:36:34.860 --> 00:36:36.019 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:36:36.019 --> 00:36:37.019 So move. 00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:38.019 Second. 00:36:38.019 --> 00:36:41.800 A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:36:41.800 --> 00:36:42.800 Discussion on the resolution. 00:36:42.800 --> 00:36:45.220 Alderman Stacey. 00:36:45.220 --> 00:36:51.220 The total cost of this resolution would be what? 00:36:51.220 --> 00:36:53.800 About a million dollars. 00:36:53.800 --> 00:37:04.960 Good. I know we have done something like this every year. How much of that product did we 00:37:04.960 --> 00:37:06.920 have left over? 00:37:06.920 --> 00:37:12.079 I don't think we had any left over last year. I don't know, Darren maybe has a better idea. 00:37:12.079 --> 00:37:16.960 So we use this not only for roads, but use it for hot patch. That's the larger amount 00:37:16.960 --> 00:37:23.940 and I want to say that we had just about 800 tons left. 00:37:24.139 --> 00:37:26.900 Now we didn't take those tons and we didn't have to pay for them. 00:37:26.900 --> 00:37:29.300 So we only, we only pay for the tons we take. 00:37:29.500 --> 00:37:32.139 So we kind of estimate what we're going to need for the year. 00:37:32.300 --> 00:37:37.340 We have to estimate the maximum and then we can take 20% less or 20% 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:40.900 more based on whether that's, that's the IDOT spec for it. 00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:45.279 So we only pay for what we actually have delivered to the job sites. 00:37:45.279 --> 00:37:56.279 When we do a project, we might have a couple tons left here and there after a job's over with and then we use that in our recycling machine to do road patching so there's no waste anymore. 00:37:56.279 --> 00:38:00.279 Okay, thank you for visiting Liberty. 00:38:00.279 --> 00:38:05.690 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:38:05.690 --> 00:38:06.690 Klemm? 00:38:06.690 --> 00:38:07.690 Aye. 00:38:07.690 --> 00:38:08.690 Johnson? 00:38:08.690 --> 00:38:09.690 Aye. 00:38:09.690 --> 00:38:10.690 Simmons? 00:38:10.690 --> 00:38:11.690 Aye. 00:38:11.690 --> 00:38:12.690 Parker? 00:38:12.690 --> 00:38:13.690 Aye. 00:38:13.690 --> 00:38:14.690 Stacy? 00:38:14.690 --> 00:38:15.690 Aye. 00:38:15.690 --> 00:38:23.369 the resolution is adopted six to zero item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 20 2605 could 00:38:23.369 --> 00:38:28.809 you please read this resolution approving the purchase of chlorine analyzers for wells eight 00:38:28.809 --> 00:38:37.449 and nine from hawk company thank you manager boyer thank your honor so we we have equipment at each 00:38:37.449 --> 00:38:44.570 of the water treatment plants they're called chlorine analyzers they look at or they they 00:38:44.570 --> 00:38:49.029 they take a sample every so many seconds and then they run a quick sample and then it goes 00:38:49.029 --> 00:38:50.570 to our SCADA. 00:38:50.570 --> 00:38:55.329 Our SCADA is the Supervisory Data Acquisition System that communicates to the operators 00:38:55.329 --> 00:39:01.550 and also to our long-term records as to what is actually, what the dosage is and what the 00:39:01.550 --> 00:39:04.170 residuals are in a system. 00:39:04.170 --> 00:39:10.750 HAC has decided to stop supporting the current models that we have at Well 8 and 9 and staff 00:39:10.750 --> 00:39:15.470 Staff needs to move forward rapidly and ratify this agreement. Staff, this is a bit of an 00:39:15.470 --> 00:39:22.650 emergency from the standpoint of it is a regulated outcome and we are out of supplies, so we 00:39:22.650 --> 00:39:30.190 need to move forward. But staff requests council ratify this agreement for $26,064. 00:39:30.190 --> 00:39:31.909 Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? 00:39:31.909 --> 00:39:32.909 So moved. 00:39:32.909 --> 00:39:33.909 Second. 00:39:33.909 --> 00:39:39.070 A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? 00:39:39.070 --> 00:39:48.070 How long were we with the company that no longer supports our wealth? 00:39:48.070 --> 00:39:54.029 How long were we with the company that no longer supports our wealth? 00:39:54.029 --> 00:39:58.139 Port. It's one of the only ones out there that does this type of work. I believe these 00:39:58.139 --> 00:40:04.000 have been in place at least 20 years. I don't know exactly. It was far before my time, but 00:40:04.000 --> 00:40:09.079 this has been kind of an industry standard for a very long time. And not only us, but 00:40:09.079 --> 00:40:15.960 essentially any water department that does not have the reagents and the repair tubes 00:40:15.960 --> 00:40:24.659 and things to make them work will be in the same position we're in. 00:40:24.659 --> 00:40:30.159 So the current model has been in use for many, many years and they're updating the model. 00:40:30.159 --> 00:40:32.519 That's why the model year change. 00:40:32.519 --> 00:40:34.639 Our maintenance guys knew this was going to happen. 00:40:34.639 --> 00:40:38.679 We bought up a bunch of the parts and pieces that we've used and we've got by for a few 00:40:38.679 --> 00:40:42.579 years here knowing that we were going to have to change them out. 00:40:42.579 --> 00:40:47.659 I didn't put this information through the memo process, but the new units, while we 00:40:47.659 --> 00:40:52.099 buy them, they'll actually cost us less maintenance per month because the reagents packets that 00:40:52.099 --> 00:40:54.719 have always been able to be used, which is a reoccurring cost. 00:40:54.920 --> 00:40:56.960 The new models don't use those anymore. 00:40:56.960 --> 00:40:59.360 So they've kind of built a better mousetrap. 00:40:59.719 --> 00:41:04.719 Um, unfortunately, the chlorine analyzers at our wells, they run 24 00:41:04.719 --> 00:41:06.780 seven, uh, as the wells run. 00:41:06.780 --> 00:41:09.719 Cause we're constantly monitor that through the SCADA system and it allows 00:41:09.719 --> 00:41:12.199 the operators to balance out chlorine throughout the system. 00:41:12.199 --> 00:41:17.000 So it's a very important piece of remote operations, not having to have a person 00:41:17.000 --> 00:41:19.760 at each one of our facilities 24 hours a day. 00:41:22.099 --> 00:41:32.340 What was the location of the old or the current one that has has it now compared to where is Hock 00:41:32.340 --> 00:41:39.539 located compared to where the other one was located? So Hock's a manufacturer and it's the 00:41:39.539 --> 00:41:46.019 main manufacturer for those. So are you talking about our well houses? No, I'm talking about where 00:41:46.019 --> 00:41:57.860 There's a branch facility in Chicago. So we strategically waited to order three of these 00:41:57.860 --> 00:42:02.460 at the same time to get a better cost on them than buying one individually. And we like to 00:42:02.460 --> 00:42:07.300 have all the equipment the same at the well houses. That way our maintenance staff has, 00:42:07.300 --> 00:42:11.820 they have less parts and pieces of materials that we have to buy and have on hand because 00:42:11.820 --> 00:42:15.139 every different model you get, you have to have more and more equipment sitting on the 00:42:15.139 --> 00:42:16.179 Shelf to repair it. 00:42:16.619 --> 00:42:23.619 So, um, um, I would echo Rob's, uh, sediment that these, uh, well number 00:42:23.619 --> 00:42:27.340 nines, those chlorine analyzers were original when that was built. 00:42:27.340 --> 00:42:28.480 They've never been changed out. 00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:30.139 They've only been fixed and repaired. 00:42:30.460 --> 00:42:32.179 Well, number eight is the same way. 00:42:32.179 --> 00:42:35.719 That's, that's a piece of equipment that might be 25 years old. 00:42:35.719 --> 00:42:39.099 And, and our guys work on a monthly to make sure that they're operational. 00:42:39.099 --> 00:42:42.139 So, um, this isn't something that you buy all the time. 00:42:42.139 --> 00:42:47.940 Well 11 has the newer model in it because that's what it was available when we built it and well 12 will have the same 00:42:47.940 --> 00:42:52.900 Models as well. How old is the parts in well 9? 00:42:53.699 --> 00:42:55.699 Well 9 was built 00:42:58.940 --> 00:43:00.420 15 years ago 00:43:00.420 --> 00:43:05.460 Maybe maybe 16 years ago something something like that. I think it was brought online about 15 years ago 00:43:06.340 --> 00:43:08.340 That was a new well new facility 00:43:08.340 --> 00:43:12.739 Ferry, with the chlorine analyzers and then we had an original one and we had to add another 00:43:12.739 --> 00:43:19.500 one when Sierra Tank got put online because it wasn't meeting the EPA's operational functionality. 00:43:19.500 --> 00:43:23.340 So Suttman said they only last like 15 years? 00:43:23.340 --> 00:43:28.039 These right here wouldn't have to be replaced if the parts and pieces were still available 00:43:28.039 --> 00:43:29.780 for them because they're still operational. 00:43:29.780 --> 00:43:34.619 It's the components that are inside of them, the wear parts, those are just not available 00:43:34.619 --> 00:43:35.619 anymore. 00:43:35.619 --> 00:43:56.650 Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Sellers. 00:43:56.650 --> 00:44:00.469 The resolution is adopted 6-0. 00:44:00.469 --> 00:44:03.750 Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2026-06. 00:44:03.750 --> 00:44:05.349 Could you please read this? 00:44:05.349 --> 00:44:09.130 Approving Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME regarding the creation of the 00:44:09.130 --> 00:44:15.269 position of Operations Foreman. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Late 00:44:15.269 --> 00:44:20.389 last year we moved forward with an operations superintendent and that 00:44:20.389 --> 00:44:24.590 position was filled with Pat Ingram with the intention of always having a number 00:44:24.590 --> 00:44:32.110 to someone to help with the various weekend on calls and a knowledge of not 00:44:32.110 --> 00:44:36.289 Not only the street department, but also operations of the utility. 00:44:36.289 --> 00:44:40.989 So staff has brought forward this proposal requesting the creation of a new bargaining 00:44:40.989 --> 00:44:47.289 unit position entitled Operations Foreman, and that would cover both streets and utility. 00:44:47.289 --> 00:44:52.909 This would be a grade 19 in the AFSCME contract, and the overall cost impact of this would 00:44:52.909 --> 00:44:57.190 be about $5,000 per year, including fringe benefits. 00:44:57.190 --> 00:45:01.590 Also staff recommends moving forward with the resolution A in the position of operations 00:45:01.590 --> 00:45:02.590 foreman. 00:45:02.590 --> 00:45:04.949 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:45:04.949 --> 00:45:06.349 So moved. 00:45:06.349 --> 00:45:07.349 Second. 00:45:07.349 --> 00:45:12.590 A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:45:12.590 --> 00:45:14.309 Any discussion on this resolution? 00:45:14.309 --> 00:45:15.829 Alderman Stacey? 00:45:15.829 --> 00:45:17.110 Yes. 00:45:17.110 --> 00:45:28.099 How will the person, how will the person be chosen? 00:45:28.099 --> 00:45:39.150 You know, is there a process, or will they be handpicked like Pat Ingram was? 00:45:39.150 --> 00:45:43.110 Pat Ingram applied for the position, but I'm not here to discuss that. 00:45:43.110 --> 00:45:54.409 It would be based on seniority primarily, and also their knowledge. 00:45:54.409 --> 00:45:55.610 Darren? 00:45:55.610 --> 00:46:00.929 So this is a union bargaining position, so anybody that's qualified within the union 00:46:00.929 --> 00:46:06.730 will be able to apply for this position because we'll have to open it up within the union. 00:46:06.730 --> 00:46:12.550 And I wanted to point out this is a creation of a new job title, but not an additional 00:46:12.550 --> 00:46:14.510 employee to the utility. 00:46:14.510 --> 00:46:21.170 It's a change of duties within the responsibilities of our current staff organization. 00:46:21.170 --> 00:46:25.170 Remember we've been talking about reorganizing the staff a little bit to be more efficient, 00:46:25.170 --> 00:46:30.529 try to save costs where we can and provide a different type of leadership organization. 00:46:30.529 --> 00:46:34.250 and this is the next step. There's a couple more steps in it, but this is the next step 00:46:34.250 --> 00:46:39.449 in filling that kind of some of the vacancies that we've had and reorganizing our staff 00:46:39.449 --> 00:46:43.769 to get more of a pyramid leadership organization. 00:46:43.769 --> 00:46:47.289 Well, and Sellers? 00:46:47.289 --> 00:46:56.050 Didn't we talk about this earlier and didn't we get rid of a position and made it like 00:46:56.050 --> 00:47:01.329 two positions. So that's the one of the, so that those dollars are really split, 00:47:01.449 --> 00:47:06.409 split up into two positions doing this job, correct? 00:47:06.650 --> 00:47:11.650 Correct. Well, city manager Boyer talked about $5,000 in fringe benefits. 00:47:11.929 --> 00:47:16.529 It's actually a negative effect to the utility as far as staffing cost, 00:47:16.849 --> 00:47:22.489 because we're reducing some of our supervisory management staff by condensing 00:47:22.489 --> 00:47:29.929 and the utility operations and the street operations into one, uh, operations superintendent. 00:47:29.929 --> 00:47:34.250 And then, but obviously we can't expect that person to work 24 hours a day, seven days 00:47:34.250 --> 00:47:35.250 a week. 00:47:35.250 --> 00:47:37.409 We've got to give them some regular scheduled time off. 00:47:37.409 --> 00:47:42.610 This gives us an ability that we have a promotionable supervisor within the department that's very 00:47:42.610 --> 00:47:47.929 knowledgeable in both aspects and that that person that we're giving time off to can be 00:47:47.929 --> 00:47:54.190 Be confident that he's not going to have to answer his phone every weekend and be in working all the time. 00:47:54.190 --> 00:48:01.210 We need to allow our management staff to have quality time away from work with their family, that they don't have to answer the phone. 00:48:02.090 --> 00:48:04.050 I give Mr. Ingram a lot of credit. 00:48:04.130 --> 00:48:08.690 Even any of our leadership team, they answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 00:48:09.050 --> 00:48:16.809 Pat, with having the street department and the utility department, he regularly gets called at midnight, one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock in the morning. 00:48:16.809 --> 00:48:20.329 He's in plowing, helping get crews going at three and four in the morning. 00:48:20.329 --> 00:48:26.090 So we need to make sure as a quality individual that he is, or anybody in that 00:48:26.090 --> 00:48:31.690 position gets time off to spend with their family that they can rest and recoup and 00:48:31.690 --> 00:48:33.210 be ready for next week. 00:48:33.449 --> 00:48:40.650 And Mr. Ingram has, you know, been very, very easy going during this transition. 00:48:40.650 --> 00:48:47.050 and he's been basically covering probably 90% of every weekend throughout this 00:48:47.050 --> 00:48:52.010 pace so this is a fair resolution in my opinion it gives us a promotion through 00:48:52.010 --> 00:48:57.730 our ask me people to have something for our younger staff to strive for to get in 00:48:57.730 --> 00:49:03.230 and will give us the redundancy that we need that our leadership crews can have 00:49:03.230 --> 00:49:04.650 some weekends off with their families. 00:49:07.720 --> 00:49:08.260 Okay. 00:49:08.820 --> 00:49:18.860 So, um, when this foreman, this operation foreman have time off, a regular 00:49:18.860 --> 00:49:22.980 ASME employee will be filling in those shoes. 00:49:23.980 --> 00:49:24.220 Yeah. 00:49:24.220 --> 00:49:28.739 When, when this person's not covering, Pat will be covering the opposite weekend. 00:49:28.739 --> 00:49:32.900 So, um, it's so they can share weekends and responsibility. 00:49:32.900 --> 00:49:37.159 Uh, currently, uh, don't quote me, but I believe the street department, utility 00:49:37.159 --> 00:49:41.320 department have like 33 employees and so Pat can't be everywhere every day. 00:49:41.320 --> 00:49:45.860 So he needs a second lieutenant, if you will, to help him organize staff and 00:49:45.860 --> 00:49:48.980 make sure that our projects and our city functions are getting done. 00:49:49.400 --> 00:49:51.039 Um, I will credit Pat. 00:49:51.059 --> 00:49:51.980 He's been outstanding. 00:49:51.980 --> 00:49:52.280 I will credit Pat, he's been outstanding. 00:49:52.280 --> 00:49:53.840 He's been trying to get everywhere, 00:49:53.840 --> 00:49:56.619 but we're physically burning him out. 00:49:56.619 --> 00:49:59.440 And this position creates that second person 00:49:59.440 --> 00:50:02.119 that he can hand some of the leadership 00:50:02.119 --> 00:50:03.440 in the field duties off, 00:50:03.440 --> 00:50:05.900 that he doesn't have to make it to every job site, 00:50:05.900 --> 00:50:10.800 every dig, every utility or street issue that we have. 00:50:10.800 --> 00:50:13.960 And we really need that redundancy for him. 00:50:13.960 --> 00:50:15.239 Odom and Sellers? 00:50:15.239 --> 00:50:22.400 In a way, it also would be like job on the job training, training this next person to 00:50:22.400 --> 00:50:26.000 maybe take Pat's place and then moving up. 00:50:26.000 --> 00:50:27.000 Exactly. 00:50:27.000 --> 00:50:33.480 That was our thinking is instead of always trying to hire from outside, maybe we can 00:50:33.480 --> 00:50:39.360 make it a promotable thing for somebody to stretch goals to, to maybe be the next operations 00:50:39.360 --> 00:50:41.679 superintendent if they're, you know, really good. 00:50:41.679 --> 00:50:44.880 Obviously we all want to work for the city of Freeport for the rest of our lives, but 00:50:44.880 --> 00:51:10.079 Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Sellers, The resolution is adopted 6-0. 00:51:10.079 --> 00:51:13.159 Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2026-07. 00:51:13.159 --> 00:51:14.920 Could you please read this? 00:51:14.920 --> 00:51:20.400 approving a redevelopment agreement with James Schwartz and Tax Lean Properties regarding 00:51:20.400 --> 00:51:24.280 the property located at 1452 South High Street. 00:51:24.280 --> 00:51:25.280 Thank you. 00:51:25.280 --> 00:51:26.280 Director Heimerdinger. 00:51:26.280 --> 00:51:27.280 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 00:51:27.280 --> 00:51:33.480 The single family residence located at 1452 South High Avenue was previously owned by 00:51:33.480 --> 00:51:39.480 an out-of-state property owner and experienced prolonged neglect and deferred maintenance. 00:51:39.480 --> 00:51:49.480 During that ownership period, the property accumulated $15,492.57 in liens and was ultimately 00:51:49.480 --> 00:51:52.659 designated as a chronic nuisance property. 00:51:52.659 --> 00:51:56.400 The condition of the home negatively impacts the surrounding neighborhood and requires 00:51:56.400 --> 00:51:59.800 ongoing code enforcement efforts. 00:51:59.800 --> 00:52:03.780 Without intervention, the property will soon find its way to the demo list. 00:52:03.780 --> 00:52:09.380 The home is part of an established streetscape on South High Avenue. 00:52:09.380 --> 00:52:13.780 Rehabilitation preserves the rhythm and the character of the street, while demolition 00:52:13.780 --> 00:52:19.039 could permanently disrupt it and reduce available housing stock. 00:52:19.039 --> 00:52:24.820 Staff has negotiated a redevelopment agreement with Jim Schwartz of tax- gleaned properties 00:52:24.820 --> 00:52:30.679 to rehabilitate the property and restore the home as a healthy single-family residence. 00:52:30.679 --> 00:52:59.239 Under the proposed agreement, tax lien properties will pay all outstanding municipal liens totaling $15,492.57, which incurred under a previous owner, complete a full renovation in coordination with a building inspector to achieve code compliance, and correct all conditions required to remove the property from chronic nuisance status. 00:52:59.239 --> 00:53:03.679 Following the approved renovation timeline, the City of Freeport will pause the daily 00:53:03.679 --> 00:53:09.400 chronic nuisance fine and waive the accrued chronic nuisance fee only upon successful 00:53:09.400 --> 00:53:17.159 completion and full compliance, as these fines are preliminary administrative in nature anyways. 00:53:17.159 --> 00:53:21.239 Following rehabilitation, the home will be sold for owner occupancy and tax lien properties 00:53:21.239 --> 00:53:27.480 will remain involved, as like Escoe Company, ensuring that property taxes, mortgage, and 00:53:27.480 --> 00:53:50.480 This redevelopment agreement advances the city's neighborhood and housing goals by stabilizing distressed property, preserving existing housing, reducing nuisance activity, and encouraging responsible home ownership. 00:53:50.480 --> 00:53:59.880 The project is funded through private investment. It resolves outstanding liens and reduces future enforcement and administrative costs. 00:53:59.880 --> 00:54:05.079 I will add that my team goes out there at least once a week. 00:54:05.079 --> 00:54:12.880 As you can see in the attached exhibits, it is boarded up with a few broken windows and the door. 00:54:12.880 --> 00:54:20.079 We have prevented and had to remove several people who have gotten into this property over the last few months. 00:54:20.079 --> 00:54:24.679 So it is a property that continues to add costs to our team 00:54:24.679 --> 00:54:28.559 to make sure that it is properly safe, 00:54:28.559 --> 00:54:29.840 that people aren't going in there 00:54:29.840 --> 00:54:33.500 and that everybody staying out that needs to stay out. 00:54:34.619 --> 00:54:38.039 The staff recommends the adoption of this resolution 00:54:38.039 --> 00:54:42.639 and approving the redevelopment agreement for 1452 South High. 00:54:42.639 --> 00:54:45.980 Approval will eliminate a chronic nuisance property, 00:54:45.980 --> 00:54:47.720 preserve neighborhood character, 00:54:47.720 --> 00:54:50.920 as there are no other demo houses on the street. 00:54:50.920 --> 00:54:53.880 So every, the rhythm is still there 00:54:53.880 --> 00:54:56.559 and returns the home to a productive use 00:54:56.559 --> 00:54:59.320 as a safe owner occupied single family residence. 00:54:59.320 --> 00:55:00.920 And then in your packets tonight, 00:55:00.920 --> 00:55:04.860 you'll find the exhibit one is kind of showcasing 00:55:04.860 --> 00:55:07.239 that there's no demos on the street 00:55:07.239 --> 00:55:10.220 and that it's a very established streetscape. 00:55:11.320 --> 00:55:15.039 The second one shows the current property conditions 00:55:15.039 --> 00:55:16.039 as you can see. 00:55:16.039 --> 00:55:34.760 And then the last exhibit, page three, showcases what the home could look like in a year from now, which it looks beautiful, like a nice single-family home, and we're hoping that we all agree, we get all the liens out. 00:55:34.760 --> 00:55:39.239 The liens do include actual cost as well. 00:55:39.239 --> 00:55:41.000 So that means when the team had to go up 00:55:41.000 --> 00:55:44.300 and board it up and take care of the nuisance 00:55:44.300 --> 00:55:46.239 and make sure that people were removed from there, 00:55:46.239 --> 00:55:47.320 it's including those price. 00:55:47.320 --> 00:55:52.320 So we will be getting everything that this out-of-state 00:55:54.159 --> 00:55:59.159 property owner kinda did to this company, to this house. 00:55:59.940 --> 00:56:03.460 And another company who is gonna give some life to it 00:56:03.460 --> 00:56:06.119 has graciously going to pay those liens. 00:56:06.119 --> 00:56:10.539 So I hope we vote to approve the resolution. 00:56:10.539 --> 00:56:11.380 Thank you. 00:56:11.380 --> 00:56:12.699 Is there a motion to approve? 00:56:12.699 --> 00:56:13.619 So move. 00:56:13.619 --> 00:56:16.500 Second. 00:56:16.500 --> 00:56:18.539 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, 00:56:18.539 --> 00:56:22.340 seconded by Alderman Johnson. 00:56:22.340 --> 00:56:24.019 Alderman Klemm? 00:56:24.019 --> 00:56:25.220 Just a couple of questions. 00:56:25.220 --> 00:56:27.500 I read over the thing, and it's interesting. 00:56:27.500 --> 00:56:32.300 I mean, it's a good deal if everything works. 00:56:32.300 --> 00:56:37.820 Was this developed from a program we talked earlier, or just how did this come about? 00:56:37.820 --> 00:56:44.380 Oh, yes. Great. This came about through a realtor here in the city of Freeport who was 00:56:44.380 --> 00:56:53.699 interested. The out-of-state property owner wanted to sell to get rid of things, and so 00:56:53.699 --> 00:56:59.460 a realtor reached out to me, and there was a few people interested in this property because 00:56:59.460 --> 00:57:06.760 it can make quite a nice home for a family. And they asked me what I thought and my team 00:57:06.760 --> 00:57:11.639 went out and we looked at it and we looked at what was going on inside, if it was something 00:57:11.639 --> 00:57:17.800 that could be worth saving. And we came to the conclusion that it could be saved, that 00:57:17.800 --> 00:57:27.559 the mold and issues inside could be remedied to create a nice home. And so we started just 00:57:27.559 --> 00:57:57.559 We're just talking about how we can make that happen in, you know, how could we, you know, understanding the burden that was kind of placed on this property through no fault of the people who would buy it or purchase this home, but also understanding that that that money did exist, that money is people's times, that's money that the that the city staff has used to protect people from going into this home and also, you know, those fines. 00:57:57.559 --> 00:58:18.059 We decided that it would be advantageous for them and so it would be advantageous for the city as well. 00:58:18.059 --> 00:58:20.059 Thank you. Appreciate it. 00:58:20.059 --> 00:58:28.059 Yes. Is there a timeline on how long, you know, they have to take the property from A to B? 00:58:28.059 --> 00:58:36.059 Yep. So in the redevelopment agreement, it lists one year on, and that's from the time that we wrote 00:58:36.059 --> 00:58:43.900 it. So that'd be December 31st of 2026 is when it should be complete. In discussions with the 00:58:43.900 --> 00:58:49.099 company, it seems like they'll hopefully get it done faster than that. And that's their goal. And 00:58:49.099 --> 00:58:52.380 and we'd love to see that too. Get a family in there as soon as possible. 00:58:52.380 --> 00:58:57.869 Alderman Parker? Yes, I went down there today and walked kind of walked the 00:58:57.869 --> 00:59:01.230 neighborhood, looked around and I think it's gonna be a big improvement for that 00:59:01.230 --> 00:59:08.789 area so I'm very much in favor of it. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:59:08.789 --> 00:59:20.720 Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The 00:59:20.720 --> 00:59:25.000 The resolution is adopted, six to zero. 00:59:25.000 --> 00:59:26.519 Reports from department heads, finance? 00:59:26.519 --> 00:59:28.159 Nothing this evening. 00:59:28.159 --> 00:59:29.159 Thank you. 00:59:29.159 --> 00:59:30.159 Community development? 00:59:30.159 --> 00:59:31.159 Nothing this evening. 00:59:31.159 --> 00:59:32.159 Thank you. 00:59:32.159 --> 00:59:33.159 Public works? 00:59:33.159 --> 00:59:34.159 Nothing. 00:59:34.159 --> 00:59:35.159 Chief Miller? 00:59:35.159 --> 00:59:36.159 No report this evening. 00:59:36.159 --> 00:59:37.159 Police? 00:59:37.159 --> 00:59:38.159 Nothing. 00:59:38.159 --> 00:59:39.159 Thank you. 00:59:39.159 --> 00:59:40.159 Library? 00:59:40.159 --> 00:59:41.159 Nothing. 00:59:41.159 --> 00:59:42.159 Thank you. 00:59:42.159 --> 00:59:43.159 IT? 00:59:43.159 --> 00:59:44.159 Well, that was quick. 00:59:44.159 --> 00:59:45.159 City manager? 00:59:45.159 --> 00:59:46.159 I have two things. 00:59:46.159 --> 00:59:47.159 Sorry. 00:59:47.159 --> 00:59:49.159 I have two things. Sorry, Hinton. 00:59:49.159 --> 00:59:56.519 I have two things, sorry. One, I just wanted to communicate to council. The next several 00:59:56.519 --> 01:00:02.079 meetings will be critical. We have a very busy construction season, and I would like 01:00:02.079 --> 01:00:10.079 to make sure that we get together on our scheduled time to meet with the mayor. Also, Chief Miller, 01:00:10.079 --> 01:00:15.920 I think this is your last meeting, is it not? God bless you. Thank you for your service. 01:00:15.920 --> 01:00:25.420 Chief, I just wanted to say thank you and tell you how much we've appreciated your 01:00:25.420 --> 01:00:31.059 service for many, many years. So we wish you nothing but the best and we hope that 01:00:31.059 --> 01:00:39.690 you'll stay in touch. Alderman Klemm? I'll diddle that remark that you did about the 01:00:39.690 --> 01:00:44.429 chief. I've learned a lot from the chief in his time and we've worked through some 01:00:44.429 --> 01:00:48.750 some stuff that I believe differently the way things were going and he 01:00:48.750 --> 01:01:02.190 We thank you for your service. We really appreciate it. The only other thing I have is next Tuesday 01:01:02.190 --> 01:01:09.630 is a neighborhood watch meeting. I'll keep posted on that to everybody that's on my list 01:01:09.630 --> 01:01:16.369 simply because of weather. Through the weekend it's going to be really cold and I think Tuesday 01:01:16.369 --> 01:01:21.929 or so, it's supposed to be like six degrees, but providing it's halfway decent and everything, 01:01:21.929 --> 01:01:22.929 we'll still have it. 01:01:22.929 --> 01:01:23.929 Thank you. 01:01:23.929 --> 01:01:24.929 Alderman Johnson. 01:01:24.929 --> 01:01:30.130 I, too, would like to thank the chief. 01:01:30.130 --> 01:01:33.369 When I first started, he gave me a really good tour of everything and made sure that 01:01:33.369 --> 01:01:37.929 I understood everything that was going on in the fire department, so I really appreciated 01:01:37.929 --> 01:01:38.929 that. 01:01:38.929 --> 01:01:44.289 And just a reminder for the general public, primaries start soon, so if you're not registered 01:01:44.289 --> 01:01:50.610 to vote, get registered, get to know the candidates, and your voice matters, so get out and vote. 01:01:50.610 --> 01:01:51.610 All right. 01:01:51.610 --> 01:01:52.610 Alderman Simmons? 01:01:52.610 --> 01:01:54.969 I don't have anything, thank you. 01:01:54.969 --> 01:01:55.969 Alderman Parker? 01:01:55.969 --> 01:01:57.969 Just repeat what they've said about the chief. 01:01:57.969 --> 01:01:59.449 I've been honored to know him. 01:01:59.449 --> 01:02:04.210 I've learned a lot from him about fire stuff, and we're going to miss you, but enjoy your 01:02:04.210 --> 01:02:05.210 retirement. 01:02:05.210 --> 01:02:06.210 Thank you. 01:02:06.210 --> 01:02:07.210 Alderman Stacy? 01:02:07.210 --> 01:02:08.210 Yes. 01:02:08.210 --> 01:02:20.099 I just want to say, Miller, I knew of you, but I didn't know you, and when I had my two 01:02:20.099 --> 01:02:27.460 days of training before seated at the table, you welcomed me with open arms, and that meant 01:02:27.460 --> 01:02:35.940 a lot. Any concern, any question, any anything has always been an open door for me to call 01:02:35.940 --> 01:02:44.500 you and talk to you and I appreciate you for being you even when the hard questions came up 01:02:45.139 --> 01:02:52.179 and you didn't know how to bring it to me and I brought it to you you was glad and we talked 01:02:52.980 --> 01:03:04.579 and that was a beautiful thing I uh I love you with the love of God and just go live and enjoy life 01:03:05.940 --> 01:03:13.900 Yes, Chief, I just want to say thank you for your kind spirit, thank you for your dedication, 01:03:13.900 --> 01:03:21.059 and enjoy your life, and God bless you, and live the good life. 01:03:21.059 --> 01:03:22.059 Public comments? 01:03:22.059 --> 01:03:23.059 Tommy? 01:03:23.059 --> 01:03:33.440 Chief Moore, we're going to miss you, and you did a good job, and we got, I'm glad 01:03:33.440 --> 01:03:41.360 Heesh, do a good job too. So we're going to miss you and you do a good job with the Freeport 01:03:41.360 --> 01:03:42.360 Fire Department. 01:03:42.360 --> 01:03:46.719 Thank you, Tommy. 01:03:46.719 --> 01:03:51.519 Any other public comments this evening? I will entertain a motion for adjournment. 01:03:51.519 --> 01:03:52.519 So moved. 01:03:52.519 --> 01:03:53.519 Second. 01:03:53.519 --> 01:03:55.920 made by Oldham and Sellers, seconded by Oldham and Parker.